Cable cleats - a global technique to protect three-phase single conductor cables during short-circuits

This paper addresses an existing product, the fault-rated cable cleat, that is used to protect and contain three-phase, single conductor cable installations during short-circuit conditions. To date, however, the US electrical industry has not embraced cable cleating in its electrical installation standards or practices. This paper demonstrates the many benefits of using this global technique. Power cables under short-circuit conditions (especially three-phase, single conductor cable arrangements) are subject to significant forces as a result of induced magnetic fields. For three-phase, single conductor cables, these forces cause violent thrashing of the individual conductors, frequently resulting in inadequately supported cables jumping out of their cable tray or raceway systems. Such unrestrained cable movement can cause cable damage, damage to surrounding equipment and possible injury (due to the inevitable proximity of operations and maintenance personnel), resulting in lost production and potential litigation. This paper explains how properly cleated cable systems can be safely placed into service, immediately after full fault duty is realized. Due to the international experience gained on the Bonga project, Shell now uses fault-rated cable cleats on its offshore Gulf of Mexico projects.